In a concerning development, Victoria's Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) has consistently failed to meet its emergency response targets for structural fires, particularly in the fast-growing outer suburban areas. This issue, which has persisted since FRV's formation in 2020, raises critical questions about the effectiveness of the state's firefighting services and the impact on community safety.
The Response Time Crisis
FRV's data reveals a stark reality: the agency has missed its target response time of 90% within 7 minutes and 42 seconds for structural fires every year since its inception. This is despite a significant budget increase of 33% since 2020, largely driven by wage increases. The United Firefighters Union (UFU) argues that the state government has not adequately resourced the restructure, leaving FRV struggling to meet its targets.
The consequences of these delays were tragically highlighted by the recent house fire in Werribee, where a three-year-old boy, Jordan Dashwood, lost his life. The fire crew's response times, well outside FRV's benchmark, have sparked public concern and prompted a deeper examination of the agency's performance.
Underperforming Stations
FRV's response time report for the July-September 2025 quarter paints a worrying picture. Stations in Caroline Springs, Tarneit, Point Cook, Broadmeadows, Frankston, Melton, and Cranbourne are consistently failing to meet the benchmark, with response times as low as 44% within the target time in Caroline Springs. Notably, all these stations, except Broadmeadows, were formerly part of the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and transitioned to FRV through the 2020 reforms.
Challenges and Solutions
Former emergency management commissioner Craig Lapsley attributes FRV's struggles to the same challenges faced by CFA in serving rapidly growing outer-suburban areas. He emphasizes the need for additional resources, including new fire trucks and crews, to address the growth and complexity of calls in these communities. UFU secretary Peter Marshall echoes this sentiment, arguing that the funding has not matched the design of the restructure, which aimed to provide 24/7 professional fire coverage to growing outer-city suburbs.
Political and Industrial Factors
The FRV's formation was a result of a long-running industrial battle and political crisis during the Andrews government. The UFU secured significant pay rises for firefighters, which ultimately led to the restructure and the replacement of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) with FRV. However, the dispute continues, with the UFU now negotiating for a new pay deal and campaigning against the re-election of Labor under Premier Jacinta Allan.
A Call for Action
Liberal MP Nick McGowan, the opposition spokesman for FRV, highlights the urgent need for resources in Melbourne's outer growth suburbs. He argues that these areas are being left behind in fire safety infrastructure despite their exploding populations. The UFU's Marshall suggests that a second appliance at the Tarneit station could have potentially saved Jordan Dashwood's life, emphasizing the critical impact of resource allocation on response times.
Conclusion
The ongoing failure of FRV to meet its response time targets, particularly in the outer suburbs, is a cause for serious concern. It highlights the need for a comprehensive review of the agency's performance, resource allocation, and the broader implications for community safety. As we reflect on the tragic loss of young Jordan Dashwood, it is imperative that urgent action is taken to address these shortcomings and ensure that Victoria's firefighting services are equipped to protect all its citizens, regardless of where they live.
